PARAFFIN DISPENSING DEVICE, WINDING UNIT COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE, AND WINDING MACHINE COMPRISING SUCH A WINDING UNIT

Abstract

 A paraffin dispensing device (12) for a winding unit (14) comprises a first paraffin dispenser (20) comprising: a first support (202) adapted to partially contain a first paraffin element (204), and first motorized means (206) adapted to rotate said first paraffin element (204) about a first rotation axis (X). The device comprises a second paraffin dispenser (40) comprising: a second support (402) adapted to partially contain a second paraffin element (404), and second motorized means (406) adapted to rotate said second paraffin element (404) about a second rotation axis (Y). The first rotation axis (X) and the second rotation axis (Y) are parallel to each other.

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0001] The present invention relates to a paraffin dispensing device, a winding unit comprising such a device, and a winding machine comprising such a winding unit.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It is known that industrial-type winding machines comprise a plurality of mutually independent winding units, managed by a programmable control unit.

[0003] It is worth noting that the term thread or monofilament or continuous filament means a single filament or continuous burr (e.g. in the case of silk, artificial or man-made fibers), while the term yarn means the set of fibrils of variable length which are parallelized and joined by twisting. Hereinafter, we shall use either term indiscriminately, meaning that the applications of the present invention are not limited to one type or the other.

[0004] The winding unit winds a yarn onto a generally cone-shaped support to make a reel. The yarn is wound onto the support with a predetermined type of winding to optimize the unwinding of the yarn from the reel.

[0005] The winding is made with a yarn guide which may generally be: an eyelet with alternating rectilinear movement which moves very close to the outer surface of the reel, or with a cylinder rotating around an axis substantially parallel to that of the reel, arranged with a particular geometry of seats made on its surface.

[0006] The yarn guide cylinder seats are referred to as traversing throats, and simulate the movement of a movable eyelet.

[0007] In this regard, the winding machines may be provided with a paraffin dispensing device on which the yarn is made to slide before it comes into contact with the yarn guide.

[0008] The paraffin dispensing device is mainly installed on winding units where the yarn needs to be lubricated for further processing, such as knitting. In this case, the yarns to be inserted into the needles are lubricated precisely to allow the yarn to slide smoothly through the needles without inducing breakages or undesirable effects, such as excessive tension variations. Therefore, such a lubrication must be as uniform as possible.

[0009] As far as positioning is concerned, the paraffin dispensing device may be positioned before the knotting device or the yarn cleaner, or afterward, e.g. according to the layout of the machine.

[0010] The device comprises a support adapted to partially support the paraffin so that the latter can protrude and come into contact with the yarn.

[0011] Effective dispensing of paraffin on the yarn may reduce the friction coefficient by up to 50% under the same processing conditions. However, excessive dispensing may, on the contrary, increase the friction coefficient.

[0012] It is known that paraffin dispensing is subject to many variables, e.g. such as yarn type, paraffin type, specific paraffin characteristics, environmental conditions during winding, yarn moisture and conditioning, interference of the paraffin on the yarn path, paraffin rotation speed, and winding speed.

[0013] One of the most serious problems of paraffin coating concerns the uniformity of dispensing on the yarn. In particular, if the lubrication characteristics change significantly along the yarn, subsequent processing will be affected especially in the case of knitting.

[0014] Attempts have been made in the prior art to improve the uniformity of paraffin dispensing by suggesting various solutions.

[0015] First of all, establishing specific correlations between paraffin type and yarn have been attempted in the prior art, suggesting a particular type of paraffin according to the type of fibers, yarn structure, yarn humidity, and ambient temperature and humidity conditions, for example.

[0016] It is apparent that the very high number of parameters to consider and their continuous variability does not allow an easy choice of the type of paraffin. An example is the change of environmental conditions in the building where the winding takes place.

[0017] When the desired degree of paraffin coating cannot be achieved by acting on the parameters described above the reel with the yarn already subjected to paraffin coating is generally loaded again into the winding machine to undergo further lubrication and form a new reel to improve paraffin dispensing. This new winding and consequent new lubrication of the yarn hypothetically intends to lubricate the portion of the yarn surface which has undergone less paraffin coating than with the first winding.

[0018] Although effective, this operation doubles the processing time and subjects the yarn to greater stress with the risk of worsening its quality parameters since two consecutive winding operations are necessary for each reel.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The need is therefore felt to solve at least partially the drawbacks and limitations mentioned above with reference to the prior art.

[0020] Therefore, the need is felt to provide a paraffin dispensing device which is not concerned by the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0021] In particular, the need is felt for a paraffin dispensing device which allows a uniform and constant dispensing of paraffin over the entire length of the yarn.

[0022] Furthermore, the need is felt for a device to increase and improve paraffin dispensing with the possibility of obtaining a lower friction coefficient and relative variance coefficient, thus allowing for improvements in the subsequent steps of processing, e.g. in the knitwear sector.

[0023] Furthermore, the need is felt for a winding unit which allows to obtain a reel in which the yarn has a low and uniform friction coefficient with a very low variance coefficient.

[0024] Furthermore, the need is felt for a winding machine which allows to obtain a low and uniform friction coefficient with a single yarn winding operation.

[0025] Such requirements are met by a winding device according to claim 1 by a winding unit according to claim 9 and by a winding machine according to claim 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more comprehensible from the following description of preferred embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

• figure 1 is a schematic front view of a winding unit according to the present invention.
• figure 2 schematically shows an enlarged portion of the winding unit in figure 1, concerning a paraffin dispensing device according to the present invention;
• figure 3 schematically shows an enlarged portion of the winding unit in figure 1, concerning a paraffin dispensing device according to the present invention.

[0027] Elements or parts in common to the embodiments described below will be indicated using the same reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1 shows a paraffin dispensing device for a winding unit 14, according to the present invention, which is indicated by reference numeral 12.

[0029] The paraffin dispensing device 12 comprises a first paraffin dispenser 20.

[0030] The first paraffin dispenser comprises a first support 202 adapted to partially contain a first paraffin element 204, and first motorized means 206 adapted to rotate the first paraffin element 204 about a first rotation axis X.

[0031] The paraffin dispensing device 12 further comprises a second paraffin dispenser 40.

[0032] The second paraffin dispenser 40 comprises a second support 402 adapted to partially contain a second paraffin element 404 and second motorized means 406 adapted to rotate the second paraffin element 404 about a second rotation axis Y.

[0033] The first rotation axis X and the second rotation axis Y are parallel to each other.

[0034] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the first support 202 may comprise a substantially cylindrical element 208 within which the first paraffin element 204 may be housed. The substantially cylindrical element 208, with axis coinciding with the axis X, may be arranged at one end 210 with thrust means (not shown) adapted to push the first paraffin element 204 to protrude from an outlet end 212 opposite to the previous one.

[0035] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the thrust means may comprise elastic means, e.g. spring-loaded means of a type known to the person skilled in the art. Advantageously, such thrust means may be arranged between a bottom 205 of the substantially cylindrical element 208 and the paraffin element 204.

[0036] The first paraffin element 204 may be substantially cylindrical, arranged with a central through-hole.

[0037] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, and with reference to the example in figure 3, the thrust means are adapted to push the first paraffin element 204 towards the outside of the substantially cylindrical element, in particular against a first striker 214.

[0038] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the first striker 214 may comprise three rounded support pins 216, 218, 220 protruding towards the outlet end 212 according to directions parallel to the first rotation axis X. Advantageously, the three rounded support pins 216, 218, 220 can be placed mutually equidistant along a circumference.

[0039] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the first motorized means 206 may comprise a synchronous electric motor in pulsed direct current, preferably with brushless, stepper-type electronic management (stepper motor).

[0040] Advantageously, as shown in figure 3, the first motorized means 206 may be set up near the outlet end 212 of the first support 202.

[0041] According to a possible embodiment, the motorized means 206 may comprise a drive shaft 207, which protrudes from the motorized means 206 provided with a coupling end 209. In use, the drive shaft 207 is adapted to pass through a longitudinal hole of the paraffin element 204 to fit the bottom 205 of the substantially cylindrical element 208.

[0042] According to a possible embodiment, the coupling between the bottom 205 and coupling end 209 may be of the bayonet type.

[0043] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the second paraffin dispenser 40 may be substantially equal to the first paraffin dispenser 20.

[0044] In particular, the second support 402 may comprise a substantially cylindrical element 408 having axis coinciding with the rotation axis Y, inside which the first paraffin element 404 may be housed. The substantially cylindrical element 408 may be arranged at one end 410 with thrust means (not shown) adapted to push the first paraffin element 404 to protrude from an output end 412 opposite to the previous one.

[0045] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the thrust means may comprise elastic means, e.g. spring-loaded means of a type known to the person skilled in the art. Advantageously, such thrust means may be arranged between a bottom 405 of the substantially cylindrical element 408 and the paraffin element 404.

[0046] The second paraffin element 404 can be substantially cylindrical, arranged with a central through-hole.

[0047] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, and with reference to figure 3, the thrust means are adapted to push the second paraffin element 404 towards the outside of the substantially cylindrical element, in particular against a second striker 414.

[0048] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the second striker 414 may comprise three rounded support pins 416, 418, 420 protruding towards the outlet end 412 according to directions parallel to the first rotation axis X. Advantageously, the three rounded support pins 416, 418, 420 can be placed mutually equidistant along a circumference.

[0049] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the second motorized means 406 may comprise a synchronous electric motor in pulsed direct current, preferably brushless stepper type electronic management (stepper motor).

[0050] Advantageously, as shown in figure 3, the second motorized means 406 may be set up near the outlet end 412 of the second support 402.

[0051] According to a possible embodiment, the motorized means 406 may comprise a drive shaft 407, which protrudes from the motorized means 406 provided with a coupling end 409. In use, the drive shaft 407 is adapted to pass through a longitudinal hole of the paraffin element 404 to fit the bottom 405 of the substantially cylindrical element 408.

[0052] According to a possible embodiment, the coupling between the bottom 405 and coupling end 409 may be of the bayonet type.

[0053] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, shown by way of example in figure 1, the first paraffin dispenser 20 and the second paraffin dispenser 40 are positioned so that their rotation axes X and Y are perpendicular to the yarn running direction, indicated by reference Z in the accompanying drawings.

[0054] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, which is not shown in the accompanying drawings, the first paraffin dispenser 20 and the second paraffin dispenser 40 are positioned in front of each other, so that the first paraffin element 204 and the second paraffin element 404 are facing but staggered along the yarn running direction Z.

[0055] Advantageously, the first paraffin dispenser 20 and the second paraffin dispenser 40 can overlap along the yarn running direction Z. This embodiment is shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0056] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the first paraffin dispenser 20 is adapted to rotate the first paraffin element 204 in the same direction as the rotation of the second paraffin element 404 that is adapted to be imparted by the second paraffin dispenser 40.

[0057] According to an alternative embodiment, the first paraffin dispenser 20 is adapted to rotate the first paraffin element 204 in the opposite direction with respect to the rotation of the second paraffin element 404 that is adapted to be imparted by the second paraffin dispenser 40.

[0058] The embodiment which provides for the first paraffin dispenser 20 and the second paraffin dispenser 40 overlapping along the yarn running direction, in which both have the same rotation direction, was particularly advantageous. In particular, considering an observer placed at the support pin, the preferred rotation direction is clockwise.

[0059] According to a possible embodiment, not shown in the accompanying drawings, the first paraffin dispenser 20 and the second paraffin dispenser 40 can share the same motorized means. For example, motorized means 206 of the first paraffin dispenser 20 which also transmit motion to the second paraffin dispenser 40 through a transmission may be provided. Alternatively, motorized means 406 of the second paraffin dispenser 40 which also transmit the motion to the first paraffin dispenser 20 through a transmission may be provided.

[0060] According to a possible embodiment, the first paraffin element 204 and the second paraffin element 404 provide the same type of paraffin.

[0061] According to a possible alternative embodiment, the first paraffin element 204 and the second paraffin element 404 provide the same type of paraffin. This solution is particularly advantageous in the paraffin coating of particular types of yarns, such as multiple wound yarn and twisted yarns.

[0062] The winding unit 14 according to the present invention comprises a paraffin dispensing device 12 as just described.

[0063] In a manner known in itself, the winding unit 14 may comprise a feeding pack 70, a yarn cleaner 50, a yarn guide system 80, and a reel holder arm.

[0064] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the first paraffin dispenser 20 and the second paraffin dispenser 40 may be positioned between the yarn cleaner 50 and the yarn guide system 80.

[0065] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the first paraffin dispenser 20 and the second paraffin dispenser 40 may be positioned between the feeding grill and the yarn cleaner 50.

[0066] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first paraffin dispenser 20 may be positioned between the yarn cleaner 50 and the yarn guide 80, and the second paraffin dispenser may be positioned between the feeding grill and the yarn cleaner 50.

[0067] The advantages which can be achieved by a paraffin dispensing device according to the present invention are therefore apparent.

[0068] Firstly, the paraffin dispensing device according to the present invention allows a uniform and constant dispensing of paraffin over time. Moreover, with the paraffin dispensing device according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a greater paraffin deposit with all that it implies, in terms of a reduced friction coefficient over the whole length of the yarn, and a very low variance coefficient.

[0069] Practice has shown that the position of the double paraffin dispenser arranged on the same side as the yarn (as shown in the accompanying drawings), deposits the same amount of paraffin as two paraffin dispensers placed on opposite sides with respect to the yarn.

[0070] Therefore, to all intents and purposes, implementing the paraffin coating process with the device suggested with the present invention is equivalent to implementing a double paraffin coating with a "mono" paraffin dispenser without having the disadvantages of the double passage in a "mono" paraffin dispenser in terms of double winding times, double stress phenomena on the yarn and double wear phenomena on the yarn itself because the yarn surfaces inevitably rub against one another during the steps of unwinding and rewinding on the reel.

[0071] Furthermore, in addition to being able to deposit a greater amount of paraffin than the single paraffin dispenser, it has been found that it is possible to implement the paraffin dispensing with less waste of material by using the device of the present invention. Indeed, it is possible to work with a lower pressure on the paraffin (by adjusting the interference between yarn and paraffin) and, consequently, to decrease the abrasive and erosive action of the yarn on the paraffin surface.

[0072] Greater cleanliness due to the presence of less paraffin waste is achieved as a consequence of the reduced waste of material. The production of fewer paraffin scraps allows for less fouled yarn cleaners, and therefore more efficient yarn quality control action, which results in a lower stopping frequency to clean the sensors.

[0073] To the embodiments described above, those skilled in the art will be able to make changes and or substitutions of elements described with equivalent elements without departing from the scope of the appended claims in order to meet specific requirements.

[0074] For example, there may be embodiments in which more than two, e.g. three, paraffin dispensing devices are included.

Claims

1. Paraffin dispensing device (12) for a winding unit (14) comprising a first paraffin dispenser (20) comprising: a first support (202) adapted for partially containing a first paraffin element (204), and first motorized means (206) adapted for rotating said first paraffin element (204) about a first rotation axis (X);
characterized in that it comprises a second paraffin dispenser (40) comprising: a second support (402) adapted for partially containing a second paraffin element (404), and second motorized means (406) adapted for rotating said second paraffin element (404) about a second rotation axis (Y);
said first rotation axis (X) and said second rotation axis (Y) being parallel to each other.

2. Paraffin dispensing device (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first support (202) comprises a substantially cylindrical element (208) inside which the first paraffin element (204) can be housed, said substantially cylindrical element (208) being provided at one end (210) with thrust means adapted to thrust the first paraffin element (204) to protrude from an outlet end (212) opposite the former.

3. Paraffin dispensing device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second support (402) comprises a substantially cylindrical element (408) inside which the second paraffin element (404) can be housed, the substantially cylindrical element (408) is provided at one end (410) with suitable thrust means for pushing the second paraffin element (404) to protrude from an outlet end (412) opposite the former.

4. Paraffin distribution device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first motorized means (206) and the second motorized means (406) comprise a synchronous electric motor in pulsed direct current with stepper type electronic management.

5. Paraffin dispensing device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first paraffin dispenser (20) and the second paraffin dispenser (40) are positioned so that their rotational axes (X, Y) are perpendicular to the running direction of the yarn (Z) .

6. Paraffin dispensing device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first paraffin dispenser (20) and the second paraffin dispenser (40) are overlapped along the yarn running direction.

7. Paraffin dispensing device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first paraffin dispenser (20) is adapted for rotating the first paraffin element (204) in the same direction with respect to rotation as the rotation of the second paraffin element (404) which is adapted for imparting it to the second paraffin dispenser (40).

8. Paraffin dispensing device (12) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the first paraffin dispenser (20) is adapted for rotating the first paraffin element (204) in the opposite direction to the rotation of the second paraffin element (404) which is adapted for imparting it to the second paraffin dispenser (40) .

9. Winding unit (14) comprising a paraffin distribution device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Winding unit (14) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a feeding grill and a yarn cleaner (50), said paraffin distribution device (12) being arranged between said feeding grill and said yarn cleaner (50).

11. Winding unit (14) according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a yarn cleaner (50) and a yarn guide (80), said paraffin distribution device being arranged between said yarn cleaner (50) and said yarn guide (80).

12. Winding machine comprising at least one winding unit (14) according to any of the claims 9-11.

Drawing